Things to know this week

9 Dec 2024 - Support over the winter break

Welcome to your undergraduate student news summary of key things happening this week.

UoY community update

Are you okay?

We know that sometimes things don’t always go as planned and can impact your studies. From next week, you may receive a phone call or email from our specialist support staff if we have noticed that you have lower engagement in your teaching sessions than expected. We’ll ask if there is anything the University can help you with and point you to sources of support. The phone calls will be from +44 (0)1904 809578.

Checking in with you

Launch of Google Gemini

IT Services has made the Google generative AI tool Gemini available to all university users, and this is now our preferred GenAI tool. You must use it responsibly and in line with regulations on privacy and information handling. Please ensure you have read through the guidance on generative AI before using any GenAI tools.

Guidance on generative AI tools

Last chance to get your carol service tickets

There are just a few tickets left for the carol service at Heslington Church on Thursday (12 December). This free event is a lovely way to get into the festive feeling with music and readings from staff and students.

Heslington Church carol service

Keen to explore sustainable travel options?

Meet the iTravel York Team at the Ron Cooke Hub tomorrow (10 December) to find out more about sustainable travel options.

Sustainable travel in York

Looking ahead: Welcome Back Week

We know you’re not thinking about this yet - but - we’ve heard on the grapevine details of some great events being planned for Welcome Back Week at the start of Semester 2! So, to get a sneak early preview of what’s going on, keep an eye on the York SU events page!

York SU events

1. Support over the winter break

Two students at York Christmas Market stand in front of an illuminated sign reading ''Merry Christmas Love York''

Whether you’re leaving York or staying on campus, student support continues over the winter break. We have tonnes of information on the website about:

  • What’s open and what’s happening on campus over the break - including what to do in an emergency, events, building closures and changes to bus services
  • Key information for those with a student visa - have you got your evisa?
  • When you should return your library books
  • Who is available to help 
  • Academic activities still taking place
  • How to connect to campus remotely
Student support over the winter break

2. Switch off before you leave

Did you know that our annual utility bill amounts to a staggering £13 million! If you are heading off for the winter break, please complete our switch-off checklists to help us meet our energy and cost-saving targets.

Switch-off checklists

3. How to revise and do an exam at York

The Common Assessment Period begins shortly after the winter break. Make sure you read the Student Guide to Examinations 2024/25 for information on what to do and what not to do during examinations.

Not sure where to begin with revision? Come to our online revision workshops on how to revise for science and maths and how to prepare for exams that have short answer questions or essay-type questions.

And if the worst happens? Sometimes things happen that can seriously impair your performance in an assessment or prevent you undertaking it at the scheduled time. If this happens to you, see information about exceptional circumstances affecting assessment.

Assessment and examination

4. Get your York Award

In your final year? Apply now for the York Award, a formal award of the University that recognises your personal and professional development and demonstrates to employers that you have taken a proactive approach to life at university. And, new this year, the College Student Leaders Award celebrates the hard work and dedication of our student leaders who support college communities. 

Apply for the York Award

5. Got an idea for the Library and fancy winning £500..?

Have you ever had a great idea to improve the Library, Archives & Learning Services here at York? Our LibInspo competition offers students the opportunity to work with the Library to shape their services. The winner receives a £500 cash prize, plus the chance to make your idea a reality! Enter the LibInspo competition by 6 January 2025.

Enter the LibInspo competition

Offers, competitions and opportunities

  • Tell Cibyl about your career aspirations for the chance to win £500
  • Buy official University of York Christmas cards

Log on to Handshake, our careers platform, for jobs and opportunities:

Handshake
Writing your personal statement: top tips | Join us on 11 December for practical, personal guidance that will help you secure a postgraduate position

Find out more student news

See all updates for students on our website:

Student news

Things to know this week is produced and distributed by the University's Internal Communications Team. Please email any feedback to 
university-internal-comms@york.ac.uk.

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